On the runway

Leandra Pepper

Leandra Pepper never imagined turning her hobby into a career until she received encouragement from others.

When the 21-year-old Oakville resident was attending T.A. Blakelock High School, she said she struggled choosing a career path until she was pushed to enter the Halton Skills Competition by her then-fashion teacher Cheryl Christoffersen.

“She always saw a lot of potential in me and so she urged me to go (to the skills competition). When the judges saw my work, they encouraged me to study it in college,” she said, noting the positive feedback, at the competition where students demonstrate their technical skills in a friendly but competitive environment, was enough for her to seriously consider fashion design as a career.

Now, Pepper, who has a diploma in Fashion Techniques and Design from Toronto’s George Brown College, can hardly believe she’s pursuing something she loves to do.

The fashion designer, who is continuing her education by completing the Fashion Management Program at the same college now, was recently selected to be among 11 of the fashion industry’s up-and-coming talent to showcase their work at the annual XPosed Fashion Show, which took place June 24 and 25 at The Brunswick House in Toronto.

She created two mini-fashion lines and was teamed up with hairstylists, makeup artists, models, photographers and videographers from schools across Ontario as they presented to industry professionals. The event, put on by event management company Visionary Events, also included a trade show and silent auction featuring original jewelry creations, photography and fashion accessories.

Pepper, who featured a total of 13 outfits, said it was a great “blessing” and opportunity to present her creations to possible future employers.

“I mostly did my lines to showcase how much I’ve learned and how capable I am of doing different things,” she said, noting how her clothing line featured a wedding dress, a faux fur coat, tailored suits and cocktail dresses.

Pepper said creating the outfits are a form of expression for her, much like how an artist expresses themselves through their artwork.

She always carries a sketchbook around with her and doodles whatever pops into her head.

“I don’t just get to draw my drawings and do beautiful illustrations, but I also actually get to create it and make it in real life and then I get to wear it or I get to see someone else wear it,” she said. “To me, it’s art that people get to wear on a day-to-day basis.”

Pepper explains using different fabrics and mixing different hems to a piece of clothing she’s working with gives her a sense of accomplishment.

“I’ve been sewing ever since I was very young. I got my first sewing machine at the age of 11,” she said. “I’ve just always found sewing therapeutic and very calming. I could do it for hours and hours on end.”

Pepper created her own prom dress and all of the suit jackets she wears are creations of her own.

She’s hoping to branch out and become a furrier, but she wants to educate herself first on the fur industry and its challenges.

Of course, Pepper said she’s also open to learning more about different aspects of fashion as she moves ahead in her career path.